Fox Lake shelter offers new leash on life
Age took its toll on Sandy. Every moment became a negotiation. Time was also against her. The lack of it left no one to care for her. Having served her purpose, she was no longer of value.
Death was Sandy's only future -- until Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue came along. The organization rescued Sandy, along with several other dogs, many of which now act as therapy animals. Once again, Sandy is loved and appreciated at the Alexian Brothers nursing home in Elk Grove Village, where she serves up hope on a daily basis to the residents.
Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue has placed 1,500 dogs since 2003 that have been abandoned by certain shelters, animal control facilities, and private owners. The nonprofit takes in any breed in any condition. Recently, they opened a new shelter in Fox Lake.
"Over 4 million dogs are killed in the U.S. each year. Many are euthanized because of shelter rules like someone is too old to adopt, or their yard isn't fenced," said Ileana Pullos, founder of the company. "That's why I felt it was important to open the shelter. Dogs respond better if they're not stressed, scared or intimidated like at an animal control facility."
Ileana and her husband Ethan, who live in Palatine, put up their own money to get the shelter up and running. They also worked on the facility.
"Some of the quotes that we received for a not-for-profit were very, very high," said Pullos. "My husband did about 99 percent of the work, along with a retired Palatine High School teacher and his students."
Pullos pulls double duty. She has a full-time job as a computer consultant and then works daily at the shelter.
"The shelter is a full-time job, but I can't give up," she said. "When you look in their faces, you can't say no to them."
The 2,000-square-foot facility is semi-cageless. Music is played to calm the dogs and murals are planned for the walls. Currently, 25 dogs are housed. They will be cared for their entire life span if they are not adopted.
No dog is turned away and at cost surgeries are provided by Wonder Lake Veterinary Clinic and the Fox Lake Animal Hospital. Donations for same have been received from adopters and Petsmart.
Future programs at the facility include owner/pet yoga, special needs children reading to the dogs, and seniors caring for the pets in-house.
Fortunate Pooches and Lab Rescue is run entirely by volunteers. One active volunteer is Caryl Kenney of Palatine.
"I first became involved by adopting a Katrina dog," said Kenney. "I couldn't go down there because of my job, but that was my little way of helping with a real bad situation."
Other ways Kenney has volunteered has been working with therapy dogs, painting the facility and concentrating on fundraising.
"At the end of October we will have a fundraiser at Durty Nellie's to raise money for the basic needs of the shelter," she said. "It will be a dinner and beer tasting."
Kenney feels her volunteering at the shelter is making an impact, but many more like her are needed.
"Shelters are so overrun especially with the foreclosures and the economy the way it is, so we really need volunteers," Kenney said. "We're bare bones, looking for help."
For information, donations, or volunteering opportunities: www.fortunatelabrescue.org or (847) 587-LABS.
What it takes to run the shelter
• $500/month on food
• $2,000/month in rent
• 25 miles/day walking dogs
• 25 baths/week
• 25 dogs serviced at all times
Top reasons for abandoned animals
• Economy
• Landlord issues
• Personal problems
• Too busy
• Moving
• Maintenance cost
• Sick pets
• Inadequate room
• Biting